Based on recent customer reviews, SARS delivers a sharply divided experience. Individual branch and contact centre staff earn warm, named praise, lifting Service Delivery & Staff Conduct (2.6) above every other theme. However, customers consistently report withheld refunds, endless banking detail verification and a 21 working day clock that keeps restarting, pulling Payments, Benefits & Financial Administration (0.7), Communication & Responsiveness (0.7) and Processing Times & Turnaround (0.7) to the bottom.
Top Strengths:
- •Service Delivery & Staff Conduct: A recurring theme is individual excellence. Consultants such as Gloria Tema, Carla Buys, Rebecca George and Phulani are named and praised for patience and professionalism, and Umhlanga and Alberton walk-in centres are described as surprisingly efficient.
TrustIndex
2.3
NPS Score
-82
Recommended: Unlikely
Nov '25 - Oct '26
Frequently Asked Questions About SARS
What do customers say about SARS?
Based on recent customer reviews, SARS delivers a sharply divided experience. Individual branch and contact centre staff earn warm, named praise, lifting Service Delivery & Staff Conduct (2.6) above every other theme. However, customers consistently report withheld refunds, endless banking detail verification and a 21 working day clock that keeps restarting, pulling Payments, Benefits & Financial Administration (0.7), Communication & Responsiveness (0.7) and Processing Times & Turnaround (0.7) to the bottom.
What is SARS's biggest strength?
SARS's biggest strength, according to Hellopeter's AI analysis, is Service Delivery & Staff Conduct. A recurring theme is individual excellence. Consultants such as Gloria Tema, Carla Buys, Rebecca George and Phulani are named and praised for patience and professionalism, and Umhlanga and Alberton walk-in centres are described as surprisingly efficient.
What are the most common complaints about SARS?
The most common complaint about SARS, based on Hellopeter's AI analysis of recent customer reviews, is Payments, Benefits & Financial Administration. Customers consistently report refunds withheld far beyond stated periods, debit orders and garnishees continuing after debts are settled or arrangements honoured, and two pot or provident payouts absorbed by disputed historic debt without any calculation breakdown.
Is SARS trustworthy?
SARS has a TrustIndex of 2.3 out of 10 on Hellopeter, based on 244 reviews in the last 12 months. Hellopeter has tracked SARS across 3,917 total reviews. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →
Recent reviews (244)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your Experience1 reviews | Active since Oct 2022
RE: FORMAL COMPLAINT REGARDING INCORRECT SARS TAX ASSESSMENTS AND CONTINUOUS SALARY DEDUCTIONs
RE: FORMAL COMPLAINT REGARDING INCORRECT SARS TAX ASSESSMENTS AND CONTINUOUS SALARY DEDUCTIONs I would like to formally lodge a complaint against the South African Revenue Service (SARS) regarding the ongoing discrepancies in my tax assessments and the continuous deductions being made from my salary. For the past three consecutive years, I have experienced a situation where SARS indicates that I owe approximately R70,000. However, when I submit my tax returns, SARS determines that I am entitled to a refund of approximately R100,000. Instead of receiving the refund, SARS offsets the amount against the outstanding debt, leaving a balance of approximately R30,000. Thereafter, SARS continues to instruct my employer, through PERSAL, to deduct approximately R2,500 from my salary every month. I do not understand how my tax debt continues to accumulate, particularly given my current financial circumstances. I earn approximately R30,000 per month, and these deductions have placed me under severe financial pressure. I am a single mother with no maintenance support, and I am responsible for my children's education and other household expenses. The continuous deductions have made it increasingly difficult for me to meet my financial obligations, including my son's university fees. Furthermore, I have been forced to cancel my medical aid because I can no longer afford the monthly contributions. This has had a serious impact on my ability to manage my chronic health condition, as I am now struggling to afford my medication. My children are also suffering because of financial strain. I am particularly concerned about the investment income that SARS allegedly attributed to me, amounting to approximately R200,000, which I do not have. I was subsequently informed that an error had been made. However, despite this acknowledgement, I have not received a satisfactory resolution or a refund of the money that was incorrectly deducted from my salary. I find it deeply concerning that incorrect information can result in substantial deductions from a taxpayer's salary, while the financial consequences are left for the taxpayer to bear. I am requesting a thorough investigation into my tax assessments, the alleged investment income, and all deductions made through PERSAL. I would appreciate the following: 1. A detailed breakdown of my SARS tax debt for the past three consecutive years. 2. A review and correction of any incorrect tax assessments, particularly the alleged investment income. 3. A reconciliation of all refunds due to me and the amounts deducted from my salary. 4. An explanation of why the monthly deductions of approximately R2,500 continue despite the discrepancies in my assessments. 5. An urgent review of the salary deductions and consideration of appropriate relief, given my financial and medical circumstances. 6. A refund of any amount that were incorrectly deducted from my salary. This situation has become unbearable. I am currently contemplating leaving my employment because, despite working hard to support my family, my salary is no longer sufficient to meet our basic needs. I am struggling to afford my chronic medication, and my children's education is being affected. I believe that taxpayers deserve fair treatment, accurate assessments and transparent communication. I cannot continue to suffer financially because of errors that SARS has acknowledged but has not adequately resolved. I therefore request that this matter be treated with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. I would appreciate a written response outlining the steps that will be taken to resolve this matter.
1 reviews | Active since Oct 2022
RE: FORMAL COMPLAINT REGARDING INCORRECT SARS TAX ASSESSMENTS AND CONTINUOUS SALARY DEDUCTIONs
RE: FORMAL COMPLAINT REGARDING INCORRECT SARS TAX ASSESSMENTS AND CONTINUOUS SALARY DEDUCTIONs I would like to formally lodge a complaint against the South African Revenue Service (SARS) regarding the ongoing discrepancies in my tax assessments and the continuous deductions being made from my salary. For the past three consecutive years, I have experienced a situation where SARS indicates that I owe approximately R70,000. However, when I submit my tax returns, SARS determines that I am entitled to a refund of approximately R100,000. Instead of receiving the refund, SARS offsets the amount against the outstanding debt, leaving a balance of approximately R30,000. Thereafter, SARS continues to instruct my employer, through PERSAL, to deduct approximately R2,500 from my salary every month. I do not understand how my tax debt continues to accumulate, particularly given my current financial circumstances. I earn approximately R30,000 per month, and these deductions have placed me under severe financial pressure. I am a single mother with no maintenance support, and I am responsible for my children's education and other household expenses. The continuous deductions have made it increasingly difficult for me to meet my financial obligations, including my son's university fees. Furthermore, I have been forced to cancel my medical aid because I can no longer afford the monthly contributions. This has had a serious impact on my ability to manage my chronic health condition, as I am now struggling to afford my medication. My children are also suffering because of financial strain. I am particularly concerned about the investment income that SARS allegedly attributed to me, amounting to approximately R200,000, which I do not have. I was subsequently informed that an error had been made. However, despite this acknowledgement, I have not received a satisfactory resolution or a refund of the money that was incorrectly deducted from my salary. I find it deeply concerning that incorrect information can result in substantial deductions from a taxpayer's salary, while the financial consequences are left for the taxpayer to bear. I am requesting a thorough investigation into my tax assessments, the alleged investment income, and all deductions made through PERSAL. I would appreciate the following: 1. A detailed breakdown of my SARS tax debt for the past three consecutive years. 2. A review and correction of any incorrect tax assessments, particularly the alleged investment income. 3. A reconciliation of all refunds due to me and the amounts deducted from my salary. 4. An explanation of why the monthly deductions of approximately R2,500 continue despite the discrepancies in my assessments. 5. An urgent review of the salary deductions and consideration of appropriate relief, given my financial and medical circumstances. 6. A refund of any amount that were incorrectly deducted from my salary. This situation has become unbearable. I am currently contemplating leaving my employment because, despite working hard to support my family, my salary is no longer sufficient to meet our basic needs. I am struggling to afford my chronic medication, and my children's education is being affected. I believe that taxpayers deserve fair treatment, accurate assessments and transparent communication. I cannot continue to suffer financially because of errors that SARS has acknowledged but has not adequately resolved. I therefore request that this matter be treated with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. I would appreciate a written response outlining the steps that will be taken to resolve this matter.
1 reviews | Active since Sept 2026
Poor Service Delivery and Resolution
Poor Service, Lack of professionalism and some prejudice based on my experience I would like to know how long it takes to verify my provided banking details and why my two pot funds are being with-held. My colleagues who I work with already received their funds 3 days after claiming. It's 3 weeks since I claimed and still my money has not been released. What exactly is the problem. Below was their response>> Dear Taxpayer, The South African Revenue Service (SARS) confirms receipt of your query: Fwd: ***/TWO POT BANKING VERIFICATION Your query has been assigned Case No: *** Correspondence on the progress of this case will be issued in due course. Sincerely , THE SOUTH AFRICAN REVENUE SERVICE. Could you be more vague. You are so quick to tax the people left right and centre for everything and now you have issues paying out my two pot claim.
1 reviews | Active since Sept 2026
Poor Service Delivery and Resolution
Poor Service, Lack of professionalism and some prejudice based on my experience I would like to know how long it takes to verify my provided banking details and why my two pot funds are being with-held. My colleagues who I work with already received their funds 3 days after claiming. It's 3 weeks since I claimed and still my money has not been released. What exactly is the problem. Below was their response>> Dear Taxpayer, The South African Revenue Service (SARS) confirms receipt of your query: Fwd: ***/TWO POT BANKING VERIFICATION Your query has been assigned Case No: *** Correspondence on the progress of this case will be issued in due course. Sincerely , THE SOUTH AFRICAN REVENUE SERVICE. Could you be more vague. You are so quick to tax the people left right and centre for everything and now you have issues paying out my two pot claim.
1 reviews | Active since Oct 2019
SARS new system is annoying and call centre agents are unskilled / not rained
Terrible experience with sars. I was selected for an audit. It's now over 21 working days, roaming around in limbo and darkness. Agents are not skilled / trained properly- you move from pillar to post. No essential communication. This new system is very stressful.
1 reviews | Active since Oct 2019
SARS new system is annoying and call centre agents are unskilled / not rained
Terrible experience with sars. I was selected for an audit. It's now over 21 working days, roaming around in limbo and darkness. Agents are not skilled / trained properly- you move from pillar to post. No essential communication. This new system is very stressful.
1 reviews | Active since Jul 2020
Gross incompetence
I received a final demand letter on 16 September 2026 and took leave from work on 17 September 2026 to visit the Edenvale SARS branch to dispute my tax assessment. My concern was that I had been assessed as a non-resident taxpayer, which resulted in me not receiving certain rebates and deductions that I believe I was entitled to. To support my dispute, I provided copies of both my previous year's and current year's tax returns. Upon arrival, I found the consultant assisting me to be unhelpful and dismissive. After I explained my situation, she accused me of altering information on the SARS portal and repeatedly placed the responsibility on me. I explained that the relevant section of the portal is greyed out and cannot be amended by taxpayers. Despite this, she proceeded to scan my supporting documents and advised me that a dispute had been successfully lodged. I was also informed that I would receive a WhatsApp message requesting additional supporting documentation. However, I never received any WhatsApp communication or any other correspondence regarding the dispute. Since that visit, I have not received any updates on the status of the dispute or any further requests for information. To my surprise, I subsequently received a garnishee order, effective from October 2026, which clearly indicates that the dispute was never lodged or processed as I had been advised. Unfortunately, I do not recall the name of the consultant who assisted me, but I believe that I was failed by her handling of the matter. I took a day's leave from work and made a considerable effort to arrive at the branch before 07:00 in the morning, only to discover that my efforts appear to have been in vain. I am extremely disappointed and dissatisfied with the level of service I received. The lack of communication, follow-through, and assistance has caused unnecessary stress and inconvenience, and I find the entire experience unacceptable.
1 reviews | Active since Jul 2020
Gross incompetence
I received a final demand letter on 16 September 2026 and took leave from work on 17 September 2026 to visit the Edenvale SARS branch to dispute my tax assessment. My concern was that I had been assessed as a non-resident taxpayer, which resulted in me not receiving certain rebates and deductions that I believe I was entitled to. To support my dispute, I provided copies of both my previous year's and current year's tax returns. Upon arrival, I found the consultant assisting me to be unhelpful and dismissive. After I explained my situation, she accused me of altering information on the SARS portal and repeatedly placed the responsibility on me. I explained that the relevant section of the portal is greyed out and cannot be amended by taxpayers. Despite this, she proceeded to scan my supporting documents and advised me that a dispute had been successfully lodged. I was also informed that I would receive a WhatsApp message requesting additional supporting documentation. However, I never received any WhatsApp communication or any other correspondence regarding the dispute. Since that visit, I have not received any updates on the status of the dispute or any further requests for information. To my surprise, I subsequently received a garnishee order, effective from October 2026, which clearly indicates that the dispute was never lodged or processed as I had been advised. Unfortunately, I do not recall the name of the consultant who assisted me, but I believe that I was failed by her handling of the matter. I took a day's leave from work and made a considerable effort to arrive at the branch before 07:00 in the morning, only to discover that my efforts appear to have been in vain. I am extremely disappointed and dissatisfied with the level of service I received. The lack of communication, follow-through, and assistance has caused unnecessary stress and inconvenience, and I find the entire experience unacceptable.
1 reviews | Active since Feb 2016
SARS - TAX REFUND
I have been waiting for my SARS Refund since 13 July 2026. They don't live up to their 21 working days standard at all. You should pay me credit interest on the money you owe me. You are a bunch of ********
1 reviews | Active since Feb 2016
SARS - TAX REFUND
I have been waiting for my SARS Refund since 13 July 2026. They don't live up to their 21 working days standard at all. You should pay me credit interest on the money you owe me. You are a bunch of ********
1 reviews | Active since Jul 2021
I've been assessed on 07/09/2026 by a consultant from Sars but my banking details needed to be ve...
I've been assessed on 07/09/2026 by a consultant from Sars but my banking details needed to be verified.Its now more than 21 days and I haven't hear from SARS which is extremly disapointing and frustrating.BAD service from SARS which should review their systems.
1 reviews | Active since Jul 2021
I've been assessed on 07/09/2026 by a consultant from Sars but my banking details needed to be ve...
I've been assessed on 07/09/2026 by a consultant from Sars but my banking details needed to be verified.Its now more than 21 days and I haven't hear from SARS which is extremly disapointing and frustrating.BAD service from SARS which should review their systems.